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Saturday

Grammar SchooL

Laura AhMow

Teaching Latin for Everyone

Adrienne Freas

– PRACTICUM –

Narration for PreK-6th Grade

Christine Wasnesky

– PRACTICUM –

Grammar Classroom Beauty: Penmanship, Spelling, and Reading

Mo Gaffney

Lisa Ann Dillon

– GROUP –

Coast to Coast, Singapore Math is the Best

Logic & Rhetoric

Janet Andreasen

– PRACTICUM –

“Toddler Mathing”? Strategies for math engagement

Joelle Hodge

Women in the Tradition

Paul Laywell

Seeing the Divine in Scientific Laws

Alex Markos

– PRACTICUM –

The Art of Crafting a New Class

Salome Palmer

Teach Them How to Live: Learning as Liturgy

Monica Perumal

Engaging the Culture in the Science Classroom

Karen Moore

Marcus Foster

– GROUP –

The Virtue of Vitruvius: Interdisciplinary Study

School Programs

Gail Smith

Spiritual Applications for Drawing and Painting

Academic Leadership

Dennis Doty

Is your lack of EQ affecting your leadership?

Ron Hoch

 Onboarding 101: Setting Up New Hires for Success

Advancement

Robyn Burlew

Robust Parent Education: Crucial for Mission Strength

Board & Head of School

Peter Baur

Security in Schools: A Facilitated Discussion

Brian Polk

SCL’s Thriving Schools Survey

Philosophy & Culture (Redeem the Time)

Savannah Kimberlin

Understanding Gen Z

Joshua McCroskey

Eud-AI-monia: Generative AI and CCE

Growing as an Educator

Patrick Egan

Creating Culture: The Ultimate Habit Training Tool

Cate Gilbert

Educating for Joy: Why Classical Schools Must be the Happiest Schools

Buck Holler

– PRACTICUM –

Remembering to Breathe: Advice for the Teacher

Jason Merritt

Teaching As Faithful Craftsmanship Rather Than Creative Artistry

Jeff Pratt

– PRACTICUM –

Developing organizational health using the “Working Genius Map”

THURSDAY
FRIDAY
FULL LIST

Laura AhMOw

Grammar Latin Teacher & Director of Student Support - Covenant Academy

Session: Teaching Latin for Everyone: Creating an Inclusive Classroom

Tags: Languages, Grammar School, Inclusion

Session Abstract

A successful classical and Christian education teaches students what to love. This begs the question, do your students love Latin? I mean LOVE it? Do they look forward to each class and excitedly find Latin connections at home and in their other school subjects? Do you work as a team with the classroom teacher to incorporate what they are learning in history, grammar, science, and math into Latin class? While CCE grows in diversity, how do we make sure every student sees themself as part of the classical tradition? Are we teaching the history of the world and the Kingdom of God that includes every tribe, tongue, and nation or a few cultures we are familiar with? Is CCE merely Western or is it an educational model that embraces what is true, good, and beautiful in every culture, and tongue? Likewise, is your Latin classroom a place where differentiated instruction takes place or should neurodivergent learners just opt out? How do we intentionally make instructional choices that include students of all abilities? How do we teach Latin in a way that fosters creativity, curiosity, and wonder? Can we really tackle all of this in one workshop? You’ll have to see for yourself.

Biography

 Laura is a product of the first generation of classical Christian schools and the daughter of classical educators and trailblazers. At fourteen, an injury caused her to lose the ability to walk and severe pain made attending school impossible. Her mom continued her education in the car on the way to physical therapy, in waiting rooms, and with the support of her community. During those critical months of re-learning how to walk and years of enduring chronic pain, she also learned the principles and practices of educational support. She has been teaching for sixteen years, the last six as a Grammar Latin teacher. In addition, she serves as the Director of Student Support at Covenant Academy in Cypress, Texas. Her desire is for every student to look in wonder at the world God has created and to see the value of learning a foundational language that is in every corner of our modern world. Her last name reflects God’s humorous plan: she met her husband while both were working in a classical school and their last name, AhMow is pronounced just like the Latin word amō. They have a joy-filled toddler who looks forward to joining her mama at school. 

Adrienne Freas

Owner - Beautiful Teaching, LLC | Classical Curriculum Specialist - Coram Deo Academies

Session: Narration for PreK-6th Grade

Topic: Grammar School, Habits

Session Abstract

Narration is a classical art within the trivium. It begins naturally with young children and develops into a formal art of thinking, speaking, and writing as children grow into narrating well. Experience how narration is a grammatical and rhetorical art that lays the foundations for the 5 canons of rhetoric. Adrienne will immerse you in this exercise through a few grade appropriate texts and also discuss why narration is a foundation for acquiring moral and intellectual habits.

Biography

Adrienne is a Curriculum and Pedagogy Specialist at Coram Deo Academy as well as the owner of Beautiful Teaching, LLC which produces the Classical Education Podcast. She was previously the Classical Education Advisor for the K-12 Classical Curriculum and Professional Development program at the University of Dallas, Adrienne brings twenty years of experience specializing in the Charlotte Mason pedagogy to the program. She has developed and led professional development for teachers in various forms of classical philosophies and methodologies, and is active in several classical communities of educators. Adrienne’s passion is to help both teachers and parents understand classical philosophy and how to implement classical pedagogy. She does this primarily through her work at Coram Deo in DFW as well as her podcast called Classical Education.

Christine Wasnesky

1st Grade Teacher - Lighthouse Christian Academy

Session: Beauty in the Grammar Classroom: Penmanship, Spelling, and Reading, Oh My!

Tags: Teachers, Grammar School

Session Abstract

Unhappy with illegible penmanship? Frustrated with invented spelling and guessing while reading? Tired of persuading students to “just write something”? Join first-grade teacher, Christine Wasnesky, as she shares some practical methods for improving beauty in penmanship, spelling, oral reading, and fluent writing.

Biography

Mrs. Chrisitne Wasnesky earned her Bachelor of Science in Music with a concentration in Education and a minor in French at Grove City College. She has over 15 years of teaching experience in public, private, and classical Christian schools. Christine has been teaching at Lighthouse Christian Academy since 2015. She loves its unapologetic Christian worldview, the Classical methodology, and its desire to partner with families to raise godly students joyfully. Christine lives in Maryland with her husband, two almost adult children, and dog.

Mo Gaffney

Senior Educational Consultant - K12 Coalition

Session: Coast to Coast Singapore Math is the Best! (with Lisa Ann Dillon)

Topic: Math, Grammar School

Session Abstract

Looking for a better way to teach math? Singapore Math has emerged as one of the leading elementary math programs in the world according to international studies, (TIMSS). With this approach, students will not only know how to solve problems, but they will also develop a deep understanding of how math works. This interactive and engaging presentation is ideal for newly hired teachers who will be teaching math using Singapore Strategies, for any math teacher who wants to further expand their teaching repertoire, and for educational leaders currently implementing Singapore math or those considering adopting the program. Lisa Ann Dillon joins Dr. Mo Gaffney who will share their successful stories of how they implemented this world renown program and the importance of developing teachers throughout the school year to maintain a high level of instruction.

Biography

Dr. Mo Gaffney is an accomplished leader and educator with over twenty years of experience. She earned a B.A. in Early Childhood Education, an M.Ed. in Elementary Education, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, all from the University of Virginia. She has taught at the elementary level in both public and private schools and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia teaching courses in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She served as Head of the Covenant Lower School in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she successfully implemented a Christian Liberal Arts and Sciences philosophy and curriculum. Her work in Christian education most notably includes reforming mathematics with the implementation of Singapore Math strategies in grades K-5. She serves as a consultant, leads professional development workshops at both classical and independent schools, and presents at national conferences, including SCL. Dr. Gaffney’s presentations include topics such as Singapore Mathematics, teacher evaluations, reading & writing connections, homework, and leadership. She is known as a transformational, creative leader and a strategic thinker with humility and a sense of humor.

Lisa Ann Dillon

Classical Elementary Educator

Session: Coast to Coast, Singapore Math is the Best (with Mo Gaffney)

Topic: Math, Grammar School

Session Abstract

Looking for a better way to teach math? Singapore Math has emerged as one of the leading elementary math programs in the world according to international studies, (TIMSS). With this approach, students will not only know how to solve problems, but they will also develop a deep understanding of how math works. This interactive and engaging presentation is ideal for newly hired teachers who will be teaching math using Singapore Strategies, for any math teacher who wants to further expand their teaching repertoire, and for educational leaders currently implementing Singapore math or those considering adopting the program. Lisa Ann Dillon joins Dr. Mo Gaffney who will share their successful stories of how they implemented this world renown program and the importance of developing teachers throughout the school year to maintain a high level of instruction.

Biography

Lisa Ann Dillon is a leader and classical elementary educator with over 25 years experience in the classroom. Over the years, she was a sought after teacher who taught kindergarten through fourth grade. In addition, her own children were homeschooled part-time so she has experience teaching all the way through highschool. At San Luis Obispo Classical Academy, she successfully took on the role of Math Lead while still in the classroom. Because of her natural leadership skills and experience with training teachers, she transitioned to director of her school. With her behind-the-scenes knowledge, she has unique insight to what teachers need to succeed. It was through her leadership that her school adopted Singapore Math and she has dedicated herself to her own growth as well as that of training her staff. Originally earning a B.F A. in Theater from Webster University, Lisa Ann brings a dynamism to her presentations. Pacific Oaks College, where she earned her multi-subject credential, prepared her for the challenges of teaching in today’s world. For several years, she presented with SDE providing professional development in hands-on-math instruction. Currently, she is a contributor to the Wisdom Wonder Singapore Math Video series. Through her videos, parents and teachers are learning to teach Singapore Math and students are thriving. Training and equipping teachers and families is her passion. In Lisa Ann’s presentations, you can count on being drawn in by her engaging style and relevant coaching.

Janet Andreasen

Mathematics Specialist - The Geneva School

Session: Are your students "Toddler Mathing"? Strategies for Engagement in Mathematics Classrooms

Topics: Math, Collaborative Learning, Upper School, Grammar School

Session Abstract

Do your students work collaboratively in mathematics? Do they actually work together? Or do they “toddler math”? Come explore what I mean by “toddler math” and examine strategies which I have found helpful in engaging students in collaborative experiences in the classroom

Biography

Janet Andreasen is a mathematics specialist at Geneva. She teaches AP Calculus, eometry, and financial literacy and provides mathematics coaching for teachers and students. Prior to coming to Geneva, she was a senior lecturer of mathematics education at the University of Central Florida (UCF) where she was the coordinator of secondary education and worked with prospective and practicing mathematics teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Dr. Andreasen has published books, book chapters, and articles in state and national publications as well as conducted professional presentations throughout the United States. Dr. Andreasen received a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Miami (FL) and both a master’s degree in mathematics education and a PhD in Education, Mathematics Education from the University of Central Florida.

Joelle Hodge

VP Operations, Sales & Marketing - Classical Academic Press

Session: Women in the Tradition: Why Re-membering the Tradition is so Vital in Redeeming the Time

Topic: Liberal Arts, Women

Session Abstract

Whether we realize it or not, we have suffered a loss of collective memory, and there are consequences to any society that allows itself to forget (individually or collectively) essential parts of its rich heritage and the inheritance of its past. It has been said that the opposite of remembering is not forgetting rather it is dismembering. That’s what has happened to our story. However, when we remember the women of the liberal arts tradition, we are essentially re-membering our history with the people and stories that create for us a more complete account of who we have been. We must consider how recovering is kingdom work.

In this session, we will walk with St. Augustine and his Confessions. We will explore Robert Wilken and passages from his book, Remembering the Christian Past. We will listen to the words of N.T. Wright in his book, For All God’s Worth, and consider how remembering is one of the central acts of worship. And we will meet some new voices, like Peter Dronke, Sharon L. James, Laurie Finke, and others.

The etymological and linguistic link between textiles and texts comes from Latin (textus from texo, to weave). The weaving, mending, and repairing of textiles has long been associated with the work of women. By gathering the threads of our rich history, provided by these historians, theologians, and philosophers, we will consider the metaphor of tapestry as it relates to the contributory works we seek to recover from within the tradition.

Biography

Joelle Hodge holds a BA in History/Political Science and has received her Master of Arts in Teaching at Eastern University’s Templeton Honors College. She began her career as a staffer to United States Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) before finding her professional home in the world of classical education in 1999. She has twenty years of classical education teaching experience. She has co-authored two logic books, The Art of Argument: An Introduction to the Informal Fallacies and The Discovery of Deduction: An Introduction to Formal Logic, both published by Classical Academic Press (CAP). Her primary focus is on supporting the growth and development of Classical Academic Press in her role as the Vice President of Operations, Sales and Marketing.

As a consultant, she engages with educators across the country, tailoring workshops for classical schools and co-ops that seek to train their teachers in the fundamentals of dialectic-and rhetoric-stage pedagogy.

Paul Laywell

Teacher & Science Department Head - Covenant Christian Academy

Seeing the Divine in Scientific Laws

Tags: Science

Session Abstract

In an attempt to develop scientific literacy, science education traditionally begins with the dissemination of facts, concepts, theories and laws relevant to a specific field of study. However, the terms theory and law- terms ubiquitous in science- are seldom explained properly and are often taught within an erroneous developmental sequence suggesting that, with increasing empirical evidence, hypotheses will become theories and theories will, in turn, become laws.

Such an approach is not only detrimental to the development of scientific literacy, but also prevents seeing the divine in the scientific laws that describe our world.

Biography

Paul Laywell has four decades of teaching experience and has taught everything from seventh-grade Earth Science to Advanced Placement Biology and Chemistry.

After teaching in the public schools for sixteen years, he transitioned to Christian classical schools and he is currently the science department head at Covenant Christian Academy in Colleyville, TX where he also teaches physics and Advanced Placement Chemistry.

Upon his entry into Christian classical education, Paul discovered a shortage of published science curricula that combined robust science content while also integrating the history, philosophy and theology befitting a classical curriculum. In response, he began writing science curricula that incorporated meaningful integration and it’s a project that continues to this day.

In addition to his secondary teaching positions, Paul has also taught in an adjunct capacity at both Tarrant County College and Dallas Baptist University.

Alex Markos

Humanities Teacher - Geneva School of Boerne

An Experiment in Virtue: The Art of Crafting a New Class

Tags: Classroom Practices, Virtue, Spiritual Formation, Humanities

Session Abstract

Last spring, my headmaster asked if I would put together and teach a new class on virtue for our ninth grade students. The fruit of that conversation and a summer of planning was a course titled The Good Life: On the Road to Virtue and Spiritual Formation. In this talk, I will discuss the process I went through to create this new class and some of the lessons I learned along the way. I will focus on the reader I assembled with excerpts from Platonic, Stoic, and Christian thinkers, the catechisms I composed to reinforce the key questions of the course, and the assignments I developed to help students integrate virtues into their own lives. I will also discuss the challenges I faced, the successes I had, and the surprises I encountered.

This presentation is for those who are facing the prospect of teaching a new class or are seeking to develop or restructure an existing class, particularly in the humanities. Listeners will come away with practical tips on how to incorporate Scripture and the virtues into a class and be inspired to try new ideas in their own classrooms.

Biography

Alex Markos is part of the Humanities faculty at the Geneva School of Boerne, TX, where he teaches history for the juniors and a class on virtue for the freshmen. He previously taught 3rd-5th grade Latin for six years at Geneva. He holds a B.A. in History and Classics from Hope College and an M.A. in Apologetics from Houston Baptist University (now Houston Christian University). For his Apologetics capstone project, he developed a curriculum for teaching virtue through Scripture and Greek mythology. He has a passion for classical Christian education and aims to inspire his students to love learning and to grow in virtue.

Salome Palmer

Program Coordinator for Classical School Initiatives - Gordon College

Session: Teach Them How to Live: Learning as Liturgy

Topic: Liturgy, Teachers

Session Abstract

The classical renewal movement offers hope for human flourishing, not because the tradition presumes to hold an answer to every question, but because it creates space to encounter the true, good, and beautiful and, in return, create more of it. St. Augustine, CS Lewis, and recently authors such as James K.A. Smith, draw our attention to this idea that educational formation is ultimately a reordering of our love and desire. We embody desire through repeated words, prayers and practices, commonly called liturgies. This cultivates and creates culture. If our educational mission is to raise children to love what is true, good and beautiful, the task of educators is liturgical – to lead the child to repeatedly encounter the true, good and the beautiful. Drawing on the design and success of The Heritage Program, this workshop will highlight tangible methods to integrate the liturgical arts in school culture and curriculum.

Biography

In her current position at Gordon College, Salome serves as the strategic coordinator for classical school initiatives which includes her work with Gordon’s graduate leadership program. She also directs Heritage, a summer program for high schoolers, which she founded in the summer of 2021. Since its initial launch, the Heritage Program continues to expand, drawing students from all over the country. Salome is passionate about developing programs and building relationships that enhance and grow the classical movement.

Salome experienced a classical education firsthand through attending Mars Hill Academy in Mason, OH during middle and high school. She matriculated at Gordon College as a part of the inaugural Global Honors Cohort and triple-majored in Music, Comparative Literature, and Biblical Studies. Having grown up in a bicultural family, Salome is passionate about international travel and community development. She has served as a teacher in Rwanda, Kenya, Nepal, and Greece. Most recently, she volunteers with a ministry foundation in Northern Haiti, working with the team to launch a classical trade school. She is currently completing her MA in Leadership through Gordon College and attends an Anglican church in Amesbury, MA where she contributes to the liturgical life of the body through songwriting, poetry and discipleship.

Monica Perumal

director of Mathematical Sciences - Donum Dei Classical Academy

Session: Engaging the Culture in the Science Classroom

Tags: Science

Session Abstract

“Guess what? Men can get pregnant,” these were the words of a second grader at our school. San Francisco is ground zero for culture wars surrounding sexuality, technology, and postmodernism. We don’t have the option of waiting to discuss difficult topics, so we go straight to them. 

To engage our culture, we need three things: accurate facts, a biblical view of humanity, and Christlike love. Many of the hottest topics in culture are based in biology – abortion, stem cell therapy, gender, mRNA vaccines, race, cloning. We taught our biology class to find the facts, consider the ethics, and engage with love and respect. 

What’s in San Francisco today will be on your doorstep soon. Let’s learn together how to help our students walk in truth and love.

Biography

Monica Perumal is the Director of Mathematical Sciences at Donum Dei Classical Academy in San Francisco. She taught math for 8 years at the Cambridge School in San Diego, and homeschooled her children for 15 years. While at the Cambridge School, she started a refugee tutoring program with a local public school. Monica earned a B.S. in Biology from UC Irvine.

Karen Moore

Classics Chair - Grace Classical Academy | Houston Christian University

Session: The Virtue of Vitruvius: A Guide for an Interdisciplinary Study (with Marcus Foster)

Tags: Subject Integration, Languages, Classics

Session Abstract

This workshop will feature one of the most influential authors whom you may have never heard of . During the Augustan age, Vitruvius wrote the first extant book on classical architecture. Vitruvius’ work continued to be a source of great influence in the Renaissance period among the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Leon Battista Alberti, who wrote the next comprehensive work on architecture in 1452. Each endeavored to incorporate in their own work the Vitruvian Virtues of “stability, usefulness, and beauty”.

Vitruvius’ work, perhaps more so than any other, is one that was meant to be taken beyond the theoretical realm and implemented into the practical world. This seminar will first present an overview of Vitruvius and his work, including Latin texts on Roman housing suitable for the classroom. The seminar will then offer a model for an interdisciplinary lesson plan adaptable to various ages, stages, and types of study. The lesson will allow Vitruvius’ Latin text to guide students through a study of his work that incorporates literature, history, art and even science in a manner that truly brings the Latin language to life and embraces the classical tradition. For those traveling abroad to Italy, this lesson has the added feature of a study in classical archaeology that will prepare travelers for sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Ostia. Furthermore, such lessons invite students to contemplate the significance of the Vitruvian Virtues as they design their own works of art or view that of others.

Biography

Karen T. Moore is the author of multiple Latin books, including Libellus de Historia, the Latin Alive! series and the Latin for Teachers course, all published by Classical Academic Press, and Hancus ille Vaccanis, published by Logos Press. Karen has served as the Classics Chair at Grace Academy in Georgetown, Texas, since 2002, where she built the 3rd-12th grade classical language program. She is also an adjunct professor of Classics at Houston Christian University and a board member for the ACCS Institute of Classical Languages. Karen holds a B.A. in Classics from the University of Texas at Austin and an MSc in Classical Art & Archaeology from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where she spent time researching the relationship between written texts and material evidence. Karen and her husband Bryan are the proud parents of three Grace Academy alumni.

Marcus Foster

Language Department Chair - Covenant Classical School Fort Worth

Session: The Virtue of Vitruvius: A Guide for an Interdisciplinary Study

Topic: Subject Integration, Languages, Classics

Session Abstract

This workshop will feature one of the most influential authors whom you may have never heard of. During the Augustan age, Vitruvius wrote the first extant book on classical architecture. Vitruvius’ work continued to be a source of great influence in the Renaissance period among the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Leon Battista Alberti, who wrote the next comprehensive work on architecture in 1452. Each endeavored to incorporate in their own work the Vitruvian Virtues of “stability, usefulness, and beauty”.

Vitruvius’ work, perhaps more so than any other, is one that was meant to be taken beyond the theoretical realm and implemented into the practical world. This seminar will first present an overview of Vitruvius and his work, including Latin texts on Roman housing suitable for the classroom. The seminar will then offer a model for an interdisciplinary lesson plan adaptable to various ages, stages, and types of study. The lesson will allow Vitruvius’ Latin text to guide students through a study of his work that incorporates literature, history, art and even science in a manner that truly brings the Latin language to life and embraces the classical tradition. For those traveling abroad to Italy, this lesson has the added feature of a study in classical archaeology that will prepare travelers for sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Ostia. Furthermore, such lessons invite students to contemplate the significance of the Vitruvian Virtues as they design their own works of art or view that of others.

Biography

Marcus Foster has taught Latin for 16 years (among other subjects) at Covenant Classical School (Fort Worth, TX) and currently chairs the languages department. He graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in Classics in 2000, then worked with youth in Berlin, Germany while studying at Humboldt Universität. He completed a M.Hum. in Classics/Theology from the University in Dallas in 2011. He has served on the board of the Institute for Classical Languages since 2020. He and his wife are blessed with three beautiful daughters and one strapping son. All enjoy playing board games and musical instruments of various shapes and sizes.

Gail Smith

Session: Spiritual Applications for Drawing and Painting

Tags: Art

Session Abstract

I have taught art for 30 years and have often had teachers share with me how difficult it can be to apply spiritual applications to art. In this workshop I will demonstrate specific devotions teachers can use to teach the process of creating and how it illustrates the character of God as defined in the scriptures. For example: In observing the Hebrew and Greek text, we use the principles of hermeneutics. We will discover that the same principles can be used in the process of drawing and painting as students journey through the discovery of their subjects. In facial drawing, we will discover how God uses numbers in scripture to illustrate how we are made in His image. We will also show how using the same process outlined in Genesis chapter 1 can be used by students to create drawings with incredible success and connect with our God through the creative process

Biography

I have loved drawing and painting since I was a child. In high school, I had the distinct privilege of studying at the San Antonio Art Institute under the master artist, Carl Rice Embrey. I minored in art in college and went on to get my Interior Design License and practice with Architectural Design Associates in San Antonio. When the recession of the early 90’s hit Texas, my firm downsized, and I found myself teaching art at San Antonio Christian High School. I fell in love with teaching and the study of the word of God and have taught high school architecture, drawing, painting and sculpture for the past 30 years. I came to Dallas to be closer to my grandchildren who attended Covenant. My favorite media is encaustic and oil on canvas, and I have focused on portrait commissions and studied under Bob Stuth Wade, Virginia Vaughan, Michael O’keefe, and Bonny Leibowitz.

Dennis Doty

Head of Grammar School - Covenant Classical School Fort Worth

Session: Is your lack of EQ affecting your leadership?

Topic: Leadership, Administration, Formation

Session Abstract

Reflecting on my time starting and leading a classical school, I quickly grew in technical skills but less in emotional skills necessary for the role. An important problem for the classical Christian school movement is understanding how academic leaders can grow emotionally in order to perform their roles. This session will cover the ways in which academic leaders of classical Christian schools demonstrate growth in emotional intelligence over the course of their careers.

Biography

Dennis Doty is the Head of Grammar School at Covenant Classical School in Fort Worth, TX. Prior to this position, he served as Head of School of Westminster Classical Christian Academy in Toronto, ON. He has a M.A. in Leadership from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He will graduate with an Ed.S. in Classical Education Leadership from Gordon College in May.

Ron Hoch

Head of School - Redeemer Classical School

Session: Onboarding 101: Setting Up New Hires for Success

Topic: Heads of School, Human Resources

Session Abstract

We put a lot of time and effort into making sure we hire the right people, and for good reason. But often we don’t spend the same energy on making sure new hires have a smooth transition and are prepared for their role. In this workshop, we will look at practical ways to enhance your onboarding process so that it is meaningful for faculty and staff, and beneficial for the school.

Biography

Ron is entering his sixth year as Head of School at Redeemer Classical School in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He holds degrees from Cairn University, Reformed Theological Seminary, and the University of Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Julianna, have four children, three of whom are school aged. In his free time he enjoys playing guitar, golfing, and cheering on Philadelphia sports teams.

Robyn Burlew

Head of Upper School - Veritas School

Session: Robust Parent Education: Crucial for Mission Strength

Topic: Parents, Leadership

Session Abstract

While our schools’ primary mission is the education of students, we cannot do that well without sustained efforts in helping parents better understand classical Christian education. Veritas School in Richmond, Virginia, has developed a number of parent education activities and events under the umbrella of “Veritas for Parents,” all with the aim of increasing parent understanding and buy-in. The workshop will include descriptions of these efforts, along with the benefits that we’ve seen as a result of implementing them.

Biography

Robyn has served as Upper School Head at Veritas School in Richmond, Virginia, since 2014, after fifteen years of teaching and administration at Covenant Christian Academy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She enjoys a variety of outdoor hobbies, piano, and gardening, but most of all, she treasures time with her three grandchildren. Robyn leads an SCL cohort for upper school heads, serves as an Alcuin Fellow, and is a contributor to ClassicalU. She earned a BA in Biology from Houghton College and an MEd in Integrated Curriculum & Instruction from Covenant College.

Peter Baur

Head of School - Faith Christian School

Session: Security in Schools: A Facilitated Discussion

Tags: Security, Facilities, Leadership, Administration

Session Abstract

Security is at the forefront of nearly every head of school’s mind, not to mention the minds of parents, board members, grandparents, etc. The response to the unending considerations for what to do feel endless and overwhelming. This session will be facilitated by Peter Baur with the goal of bringing to light the best practices and resources that schools are currently using and or considering. Peter will review Faith Christian’s security journey which a national law enforcement officer identified as being robust and thorough. Many schools have likely done more and are better equipped, and this session will work to bring those to the group attending.

Biography

Peter Baur has been involved in independent education for nearly 40 years and has held roles in several environments, including start-up classical Christian schools and “elite” private schools with over 150 years of history. Peter has served in nearly every capacity, including PR/Marketing, curriculum development, head of school, development/fundraising, special events, college guidance, admission, advisory, teaching and coaching. In addition, Peter has led schools and churches in strategic planning, has presented at Circe, ACCS and SCL, and been a featured speaker at schools around the nation. Peter is known for his ability to articulate Classical Christian education in a simple, practical manner. Peter is the only SCL Fellow elected prior to becoming a head of school.

Brian Polk

Classical Leader | Society for Classical Learning

Session: What Did We Learn from Our Thriving Schools Survey?

Tags: Research, Heads of School, Leadership

Session Abstract

In an attempt to obtain as clear a picture as possible of schools in our movement, we disseminated an extensive survey to 504 school heads in January of 2023. This session will outline the key findings resulting from descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The workshop attendee should walk away with a firm understanding of the movement, insight into how their school fits into the movement, and some strategic areas to focus on as they seek to improve their school.

Biography

Brian Polk has been in classical education for 17 years serving as a science teacher and administrator. In a desire to grow as an educator, he returned to school in 2015 earning a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Vanderbilt University in 2018. This work ignited a passion to study classical Christian schools for the purpose of helping them to improve as they seek to build the Kingdom of God.

Savannah Kimberlin

ASSOCIATE VP OF CHURCH ENGAGEMENT - BARNA GROUP

Understanding Gen Z

Tags: Faith & Culture

Session Abstract

Barna research suggests that the members of the Gen Z generation (teenagers through 23-year-olds) are extraordinarily unique in their needs, perspectives and opinions. Join Savannah from Barna Group as she leads us through conversations about some of the most important and defining markers of this generation, focusing primarily on their experiences with Christianity.

Biography

Savannah serves as the Associate Vice President of Church Engagement at Barna. Savannah loves facilitating Barna’s mission to provide the Church with knowledge to navigate a changing world through consulting services, CoLab learning cohorts and research efforts. She is passionate about taking Barna’s research and synthesizing it into helpful, actionable insights for Christian leaders.
 
As a certified data miner and predictive modeler, Savannah specializes in advanced analytics. Prior to her time at Barna, she worked in the big data and software development spaces.
 
She earned her B.S. in Mathematics from Samford University and her M.S. in Decision Analytics from the University of Alabama. Savannah currently lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Josh and her daughter Zoe.

Joshua McCroskey

Head of School - Ad Fontes Academy

Eud-AI-monia: Generative AI and CCE

Tags: Writing, Ethics

Session Abstract

This workshop delves into the moral and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in classical Christian education. Join us as we explore the transformative possibilities of AI-generated tools and resources for supporting and delivering the missions of our CCE schools. Through insightful discussions and practical applications, we will examine how to harness the power of generative AI to further human flourishing through the pursuit of Wisdom and Virtue.

Biography

Joshua McCroskey is the Head of School at Ad Fontes Academy in Centreville, VA. Prior to joining AFA, he served as the 4-12 grade principal at Trinity Christian School in Kailua, HI, where he also taught humanities, science, and mathematics.

Patrick Egan

Educational Renaissance

Session: Creating Culture: The Ultimate Habit Training Tool

Topic: School Culture, Leadership, Classroom Practices

Session Abstract

Cultivating an optimal learning environment takes planning and careful implementation. We’ll begin by understanding what kind of culture you envision and then be able to apply tools to help improve the culture of your classroom or school. In this workshop you will learn leadership principles, analytical tools and methods derived from Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education to create a culture where your students will thrive.

Biography

Patrick Egan is Academic Dean at Clapham School. He previously served at Providence Classical Christian Academy in St. Louis, Missouri, as Dean of the Upper School. He earned his B.Mus. in Music History and Literature from Illinois State University and his M.Div. and Th.M. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Patrick and his family spent three years living and studying in St. Andrews, Scotland, earning his Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews. In addition to leading and teaching in the classical Christian school movement, he has also taught courses in New Testament and Biblical Greek at colleges and seminaries in the US and UK. In 2016, Patrick published Ecclesiology and the Scriptural Narrative of 1 Peter with Wipf & Stock. Dr. Egan regularly writes on the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern research as a founding member of Educational Renaissance. Patrick is married to Kristin and has four children: Laura, Shannon, Joanna, and Cameron.

Cate Gilbert

Head of School - The Saint Constantine School

Session Title: Educating for Joy - Why Classical Schools Must be the Happiest Schools

Tags: School Culture, Leadership

Session Abstract

A holistic education, one that truly considers the whole child, must be judged not merely on the life of the mind, but the engagement of the student’s heart. With this in mind, the culture and life of the school in and out of the classroom are uniquely important in classical education. This workshop will address how to build a thriving student culture, one that is primarily focused on student engagement and happiness. Though the goal of student happiness is an end in itself, Mrs. Gilbert will show how a strong school culture can prevent behavioral problems before they start, greatly elevate classroom experience, and increase retention and family satisfaction.

Biography

Caitlin Gilbert is a second generation classical educator, who has been involved in the founding and leading of classical schools and colleges for the last 10 years. She is a part of the founding team and leadership of the Saint Constantine School and College in Houston, TX, where a rich classical education is uniquely paired with free and joyful outdoor play, goats, sheep, and chickens in the middle of the city, and a robust and holistic student life program.

Buck Holler

Director of Consulting - CiRCE Institute

Session: Remembering to Breathe: S. T. Coleridge's Advice for the Classical Teacher

Topic: Teaching

Session Abstract

The work of the teacher is often entirely focused on teaching, on producing lessons, on output. At some point, the well runs dry and the teacher comes home each day fully exhausted. The 18th/19th century British poet, S. T. Coleridge, touches on this experience in his short poem Work Without Hope. After working through this poem, we will take a closer look at the relationship between teacher and student as it is governed by the logos of a lesson and influenced by the cultural liturgies that reach into every classroom.

Biography

Buck Holler is a former horse trainer and rodeo cowboy from Red Bluff, CA. Retiring from the rodeo circuit, Buck headed to New England to study theology and languages at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2001. Since then, he has worked as an educator and administrator in CA, New York City, and eastern NC. Buck first joined the CiRCE Institute as an apprentice in 2007, became a head mentor for the East Coast III apprenticeship in 2017, began the Latin Apprenticeship in 2019, and now serves in Concord, NC as CiRCE’s director of consulting.

Jason MErritt

Classical Greek & Senior Thesis Instructor - Covenant Classical School

Treasures Old and New: Teaching As Faithful Craftsmanship Rather Than Creative Artistry

Tags: Teaching, Formation, Classroom Practices

Session Abstract

Modern progressive pedagogy understands its primary objective to be the formation of critical thinkers. Unfortunately, progressive education has come to define critical thinking primarily in terms of creativity rather than logical analysis and sees the teacher as the critical, or creative, thinker par excellence. This is most clearly evident in higher education, but can also be seen in primary and secondary educational contexts. Progressive education has focused so intensely on this one aspect of the teacher’s role and the goal of education that it fails to recognize that critical thinking skills are built upon a solid foundation of knowledge and that the teacher serves as a kind of repository for this knowledge. How did we get to this point, and how should we as classical Christian educators view our role in the educational process? 

This workshop argues that this pattern is illustrated and influenced by the shift from iconography in the late antique and early medieval period to creative realism in the later Medieval period and beyond. This shift represents a move away from a model of craftsmanship in which the craftsman closely conforms his art to a received pattern and toward a model of individualistic artistic expression in which the artist attempts to recreate his perception of reality. How can we as classical Christian educators reframe our understanding of our role from creative, critical thinker (the expressive artist) to tradent of a received pattern (craftsman)? 

Jesus’ proverb about the scribe who brings out treasures new and old (Matthew 13:52) can serve as a model for a return to a pedagogy that successfully works toward truly creative, critical thinking by first laying a strong foundation in the Great Tradition. Classical educators can only pass on what we have received from the Tradition and cannot hope to form in the student that which has not been formed in ourselves. After we have grounded ourselves well in the Tradition, we can wisely apply that Tradition to the changes and chances of this life as we encounter them.

Biography

Dr. Jason Merritt is instructor of classical Greek and senior thesis at Covenant Classical School, Fort Worth. He has served in classical education as a teacher, headmaster, and consultant for fifteen years and is the author of Devils and Deviants: The Rhetoric of Religious Schism in 1 and 2 John.

Jeff Pratt

Head of School - Calvin Christian School

Session: Oh my goodness -- I work with a bunch of geniuses! Who knew?

Tags: Heads of School, Leadership, Administration

Session Abstract

We will explore the new assessment tool from the Table Group called The Six Types of Working Genius and learn rich insights about developing organizational health from leadership guru Patrick Lencioni. This workshop will be anecdotal in that the presenter will share lessons learned when his administrative team explored their team’s “working genius map” and how it has guided their work together and inspired helpful conversation.

Biography

I am currently serving in my 5th year as Head of School at Calvin Christian School in North County San Diego CA. Calvin is a 60 year old school founded as a liberal arts school, but decades before the classical Christian liberal arts movement began. I believe God has called me to Calvin to help the school firmly situate its robust mission within the rich historical Christian liberal arts tradition, thus charting a well-lit path into its next 60 years. Prior to Calvin, I served at Horizon Prep, also in North County San Diego – a school that is much younger than my current school and founded as a “classically-based” school. The year I started in 2012 is the year they began planning for their high school program to launch in the fall of 2013. I believe God called me to Horizon Prep to help them fully embrace the classical Christian liberal arts model and serve as the “architect” for not only the new high school program, but a complete evaluation of mission fulfillment via CCE.

My wife and I moved our family to Chile for two years in 2010 and both taught in the international school Nido de Aguilas where our two children also attended. Over my career in education, I have taught every grade level, with most of my time focused in high school. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Economics, masters and PhD in Educational Psychology.

Justin Bailey

Author & Professor - Dordt University

Session: Sowing in Hope: Generative and Generational Education

Session Abstract

The temptation in a world gone mad is to stand on the sidelines and point out the problems with everyone and everything. But there is an alternative to this: to criticize by creating, cultivating beautiful and generative spaces that do the work of generational faithfulness. Whatever we cultivate will always be imperfect, but it can imperfectly point to the kingdom of God, to “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

“Theology must grow and be sown into the soils of culture, be fed by the spring rains of love to be cultivated in multiple generations.” (Makoto Fujimura)

Biography

Justin Ariel Bailey is associate professor of theology at Dordt University. He is the host of the In All Things podcast, and his written work has appeared in publications such as Christianity Today, Christian Scholars Review and the International Journal of Public Theology. He is the author of Reimagining Apologetics (IVP Academic, 2020) and Interpreting Your World (Baker Academic, 2022). He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church and has served as a pastor in Filipino-American, Korean-American, and Dutch-American settings. He is married to Melissa and they are blessed with two pre-teen children.

David Bailey

Founder & Chief Vision Officer - Arrabon

Session: The 5 Challenges to Being a Reconciling Community

Session Abstract

People form communities and communities form people. Christian communities ought to be reconciling communities, but unfortunately, too many Christian communities mirror the same practices as secular communities around conflict and division. In this breakout session, we’ll introduce the five practices leaders need to build a reconciling community within their organization.

Biography

David M. Bailey is a public theologian, culture maker, and catalyst focused on building reconciling communities. David is the founder and Chief Vision Officer of Arrabon, a spiritual formation ministry that equips the American Church to actively and creatively pursue racial healing in their communities. He is the co-author of the study series, A People, A Place, and A Just Society, and the executive producer of the documentary 11 am: Hope for America’s Most Segregated Hour and the Urban Doxology Project. David is rooted at East End Covenant Fellowship, serving on the preaching team, and his greatest honor is to be married to his wonderful wife, Joy.

Joseph Pearce

Best-Selling Author

Session: Wit, Wisdom, and Wonder: Life Lessons from G.K. Chesterton

Session Abstract

Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly whereas the devil takes himself far too seriously, falling by the force of his own gravity. So says G. K. Chesterton, the self-described “jolly journalist” who is worth taking seriously because he took himself so lightly. With wit, wisdom and eyes wide open with wonder, Chesterton shows us the way to paradise by way of paradox. Joseph Pearce, author of Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G. K. Chesterton, gives a guided tour of Chesterton’s life, work, wit, wisdom and legacy.

Biography

A native of England, Joseph Pearce is the internationally acclaimed author of many books, which include bestsellers such as The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile and Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc. His books have been published and translated into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Croatian and Polish.
 
He has hosted two 13-part television series about Shakespeare on EWTN, and has also written and presented documentaries on EWTN on the Catholicism of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. His verse drama, Death Comes for the War Poets, was performed off-Broadway to critical acclaim. He has participated and lectured at a wide variety of international and literary
events at major colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe, Africa and South America.
 
He is editor of the St. Austin Review (https://staustinreview.org/), series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions (www.ignatiuscriticaleditions.com), senior instructor with Homeschool Connections (www.homeschoolconnectionsonline.com), and senior contributor at the Imaginative Conservative and Crisis Magazine. In 2022, he was awarded the St. John Henry
Newman Visiting Chair of Catholic Studies at Thomas More College (Merrimack, NH). His personal website is http://www.jpearce.co.

Kelly Kapic

Author & Professor - Covenant College

Session: Learning to Value Process: God Likes to Take His Time

Session Abstract

We know that God is perfect and complete, but we are not. In our time together we will consider how God loves process. While we often judge only according to finished products, God has always been comfortable with process, and learning to appreciate this truth about God can free us to more fully embrace the process of growth and learning. The implications of this for Christian education are enormous, as we see our work not merely in terms of a ‘final product,’ but in terms of the value of formation and growth.
 

Biography

Kelly M. Kapic (PhD, King’s College, University of London) is a professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, where he has taught for twenty years. He is an award-winning author or editor of more than fifteen books, including You’re Only Human and Embodied Hope, which each won a Christianity Today Book Award. Kapic, a popular speaker, has been featured in Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition, has worked on research teams funded by the John Templeton Foundation, and contributes to the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care and various other journals.
 

SANDRA McCRACKEN

GUEST MUSICIAN

Performances

Sandra McCracken will be leading worship from the main stage in the morning and afternoon of Friday, June 16, followed by her highly-anticipated concert at 6:00pm. See the conference schedule for further information!

Biography

Sandra McCracken is a singer-songwriter and hymn writer from Nashville, Tennessee. A prolific recording artist, McCracken has produced 14 solo albums over two decades. Her best selling release, Psalms (2015) received critical acclaim, followed by God’s Highway (2017) which made the top 50 on Billboard Heatseekers chart without a major label. She has had songs featured in TV, including ‘Ten Thousand Angels’ on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and has over 15 million streams. Blending the old and new, Sandra has also shown a unique ability to recast sacred scripture texts into theologically rich yet accessible songs. Her thoughtful lyrics and gospel melodies in songs like “We Will Feast In The House Of Zion,” “Steadfast” and “Thy Mercy My God” have become staple anthems in churches across the U.S. As a published writer, she contributes a regular column in Christianity Today and released her first book “Send Out Your Light” in September 2021.

Pano Kanelos

President - University of Austin

Session: Coming Soon

Session Abstract

COMING SOON!

Biography

Panayiotis (Pano) Kanelos is the founding president of the University of Austin.
 
From 2017 to 2021, Dr. Kanelos served as the 24th President of St. John’s College, Annapolis. After earning degrees from Northwestern University (B.A.), Boston University (M.A.), and the University of Chicago (Ph.D.), he taught at Stanford University, the University of San Diego, and Loyola University Chicago.
 

He served most recently as dean of Christ College, the Honors College of Valparaiso University. An outspoken advocate for liberal education, he oversaw the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts, comprising a network of more than 100 colleges and universities. Among the earliest participants in the Teach for America program, President Kanelos is as passionate about teaching as he is about writing and scholarship. He founded the Cropper Center for Creative Writing at the University of San Diego and is a noted Shakespeare scholar, having served as the resident Shakespearean in the Old Globe MFA Program and the founding director of the Interdisciplinary Shakespeare Studies Program at Loyola University Chicago.

Beck A. Taylor

President - Samford University

Session: Coming Soon

Session Abstract

COMING SOON!

Biography

Beck A. Taylor comes to Samford University after serving as the 18th president of Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, since 2010. Prior to this appointment, Taylor served as dean and professor of economics for Samford’s Brock School of Business (2005-2010), and associate dean for research and faculty development for Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business (1997-2005).

Taylor’s tenure at Whitworth was highlighted by a renewed emphasis on community involvement; efforts to enhance academic programs and quality; the building of new campus infrastructure to facilitate the university’s academic, athletic, and student life programs; the creation of newly endowed faculty positions and centers; leading Whitworth’s largest-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign; and an emphasis on overall institutional effectiveness.

After earning his undergraduate degree from Baylor with majors in economics and finance, Taylor was employed as an analyst for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in Houston, Texas. He went on to earn his M.S. and Ph.D. in economics from Purdue University. After returning to the Baylor faculty, Taylor was named the first holder of the W.H. Smith Professorship in Economics. In 2002, he was appointed as a visiting scholar by Harvard University where he spent one year in residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

As dean of Samford’s Brock School of Business, Taylor led the rapid transformation of the business school, including its renaming to honor Harry B. Brock, Jr., founder of Compass Bank. Taylor led the Brock School of Business to establish eight new academic programs, as well as the school’s new honors program. The school’s entrepreneurship program was recognized in 2010 as the nation’s top emerging program by the U.S. Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship. In an effort to build bridges between students and the Birmingham business community, Taylor established the Samford Business Network, as well as a 45-member advisory board of the region’s top business leaders.

As a scholar, Taylor has published dozens of studies in economics journals such as Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of Labor Economics, Journal of Human Resources and Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking. Illustrating his diverse research interests and his connections to the social sciences, Taylor has also published groundbreaking research in public health and child developmental psychology. His research has been cited in testimony given before the U.S. Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, and the California State Assembly, and also has been referenced in publications such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Christian Science Monitor.

Taylor is a member of numerous professional and academic organizations, and he has served as a strategic business consultant for dozens of organizations. Taylor and his wife of 28 years, Julie, have three children: Zachary, 25, a Nashville-based music recording artist, Lauren, 22, a recent Whitworth graduate, and Chloe, 14.

Savannah Kimberlin

Associate VP of Church Engagement - Barna Group

Session: Faith & Culture

Session Abstract

Barna Group has researched faith trends in the United States and around the world for more than 40 years, specializing in the study of generations and the intersection of faith and culture. Together, let’s explore a handful of key cultural shifts and their impact on and implications for our organizations.

Biography

Savannah serves as the Associate Vice President of Church Engagement at Barna. Savannah loves facilitating Barna’s mission to provide the Church with knowledge to navigate a changing world through consulting services, CoLab learning cohorts and research efforts. She is passionate about taking Barna’s research and synthesizing it into helpful, actionable insights for Christian leaders.
 
As a certified data miner and predictive modeler, Savannah specializes in advanced analytics. Prior to her time at Barna, she worked in the big data and software development spaces.
 
She earned her B.S. in Mathematics from Samford University and her M.S. in Decision Analytics from the University of Alabama. Savannah currently lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Josh and her daughter Zoe.